JVC Broadcasting looks to open 2 studios in Suffolk
Ana Maria is the host of La Fiesta 98.5’s midafternoon, El Jangueo. La Fiesta is one of four Long Island-based radio stations owned by JVC Broadcasting, currently operating in Ronkonkoma. (July 11, 2009) Credit: Charles Eckert
Radio station owner JVC Broadcasting wants to move its headquarters and broadcasting studios to Patchogue and open a satellite studio at the Islip airport, officials said Thursday.
The broadcaster also plans to launch an all-news and talk station on Long Island.
Chief executive John Caracciolo said the larger headquarters would include a street-level window where passersby can see the disc jockeys at work. The company has been operating in 5,500 square feet of rented space in Ronkonkoma.
The $1.2-million headquarters project calls for purchasing a 7,800-square-foot building at 185 Waverly Ave. It has been vacant for 4 ½ years.
"We have outgrown our space," Caracciolo told the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency Thursday. "We also need to put up satellite dishes and antennas because of remote operations."
JVC was founded in 2008. In June, it added five Florida radio stations to the four it owns on Long Island. The local FM stations are Party 105.3, La Fiesta 98.5, Classic Rock WRCN 103.9 and My Country 96.1. Much of the broadcasting for the FM outlets in Florida is done here, Caracciolo said.
JVC also has been operating Brookhaven Town's Pennysaver Amphitheater since March 2012 through a subsidiary, Long Island Events.
The company has 75 full-time workers; 45 in Suffolk. Wages, on average, total $33,333 per year, records show. It also has up to 25 part-time workers at any given time, some students from local universities.
Caracciolo told the IDA he has considered moving to Gold Coast Studios in Bethpage or to Florida but would prefer to remain in Suffolk.
In return for a pledge to create 14 jobs by 2016, the IDA Thursday offered $228,057 in tax breaks to JVC. Much of the savings -- $194,000 -- would come from a reduction in property taxes over 15 years.
IDA chairman Joanne Minieri, who also is the county's economic development commissioner, said, "This is a new, emerging industry for Long Island and Suffolk County. It's exciting."
County Executive Steve Bellone and Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri both said the radio broadcaster's move would complement nearby entertainment venues in the village's downtown.
